Clement Optimistic About Kvistgaarden's Injury
Philippe Clement is hoping Mathias Kvistgaarden's back injury is a case of sore not serious after he hobbled out of Norwich City's 4-1 Carabao Cup victory over MK Dons.
Kvistgaarden lasted just 15 minutes before he was kneed in the back by experienced defender Curtis Nelson as he sought to gain control of a pass on the halfway line. After a test of his running on the touchline, a decision was made to withdraw the Dane as a precaution.
Clement was frustrated by the challenge but hopeful the injury would not prove serious, with Kvistgaarden set for further assessment. "He couldn't run. His back hurts a lot," Clement said. "You've seen it, it was a nasty fall with a knee in the back and the player knows really well what he's doing at that moment." Read more about Clement Demands Fan Support as City Face MK Dons.
"So I'm disappointed that these things get yellow cards because a player can be really long out if he's unlucky with that one. I don't think it's the case, I hope not but we will see in the next couple of days," he added.
Norwich City Impress in Cup Opener
Despite the concern over Kvistgaarden, Clement was pleased with the connection between his players and supporters, as Norwich delivered a performance that offered an early glimpse of the identity he is seeking to build.
"I think a really positive afternoon. I was really pleased to have so many fans for a cup game because I know all people need to pay for their tickets. There was a really good atmosphere," Clement said. Read more about Fisher and Makama Set for Returns Ahead of Cup Clash.
"You feel that the fans have missed coming to Carrow Road and to see the team, so that's a really important one. I think all the fans who doubted because it's good weather and they had other plans, and who didn't come to watch the game, they will say afterwards, I made the wrong choice. So that's a good thing for the next game."
"I'm really pleased about the fans, the synergy again, directly from the first minute, but for sure about the players because they also created the perfect circumstances for that," he concluded.
Warne Acknowledges Championship Quality
Paul Warne's Carrow Road homecoming lacked the romantic result he desired, but the MK Dons boss humbly conceded that there was a clear gulf between Norwich City and his side.
The Canaries stormed out of the traps, netting twice inside the opening seven minutes to take the tie away from the League One newboys. Warne was candid in his assessment of the gap between the sides, stating, "I don't think many of the other Championship sides lost out to lower-league sides, and I think Norwich will go on to have a very good season." Read more about Field Embraces Championship Pressure as Canaries Target Success.
"I thought Norwich were excellent. They are a top-five Champ team. Maybe higher," he added. "Better players punish you. The first goal was a screamer. As a learning curve, this is where we want to get to."
Warne nevertheless found encouragement in his side's response after the early damage as they prepare for a tricky League One start with matches against Leicester, Oxford, and Huddersfield.